Browse another municipality →
North Smithfield
Town of North Smithfield Zoning Ordinance
Read in full Download
§ 7.4

Certificates of zoning compliance for new, altered, or nonconforming uses

Sec. 7.4. Certificates of zoning compliance for new, altered, or nonconforming uses.

It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises, or both, or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure until a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall have been issued by the Inspector stating that the proposed use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this ordinance; and the Inspector shall state the facts upon which the certificate is issued.

No nonconforming structure or use shall be maintained, renewed, changed, or extended until a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall have been issued by the Inspector. The Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall state specifically wherein the nonconforming use differs from the provisions of this ordinance, provided that upon enactment or amendment of this ordinance, owners or occupants of nonconforming uses or structures shall have 15 months to apply for certificates of zoning compliance. Failure to make such application within 15 months shall be presumptive evidence that at the time of enactment or amendment of the ordinance:

  • (a) The use of the property and any structures thereon were in conformity with the provisions of the ordinance, including special uses approved by action of the Zoning Board of Review, or

    (b) The property is vacant, unused, or unoccupied and may or may not conform to the dimensional regulations of the district in which it is located.

  • No permit for erection, alteration, moving, repair of any building shall be issued until an application has been made for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, and the certificate shall be issued in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance upon completion of work.

  • The Inspector shall maintain a record of all certificates of zoning compliance, and a copy shall be furnished upon request to any person.

  • Failure to obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be a violation of this ordinance and punishable under section 16 of this ordinance.